If you’re 50 years old and above, you’re already classified as a senior golfer. Other branches of this sport will have a different age limit, which varies between 45 and 55. Whatever your age is, being a senior golfer means one thing: you’re going to change your clubs. It could be due to your slower swing speed, your aching joints, and other potential conditions. Fret not, because in this post, we listed the best golf clubs for seniors together with a comprehensive buying guide.
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GOLF CLUB | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
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Callaway Great Big Bertha Fairway Wood | Check Price | ||
Callaway 2018 Rogue Iron Sets | Check Price | ||
Cleveland Golf 2018 Launcher CBX Iron | Check Price | ||
TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver | Check Price | ||
Cobra 2017 Golf King F7 Driver | Check Price |
Why so specific about seniors?
When it comes to senior golfers, regular golf clubs may prove to be challenging to use. It’s heavier and bears a lower loft. And with your slowing swing speeds, these factors only add up to the decline in your performance.
The good here is that older golfers can still stay on top of their game using the best golf clubs for seniors. Unlike regular clubs, senior golf clubs are made lighter. Aside from that, it has a different specification to suit the needs of an aging player.
Aside from that, slower swing speeds will also affect a golfer’s ability to lift the ball into the air. That’s aside from the fact that they can cover less distance than they used to before.
Problems aging golfers face
When it comes to older golfers, there are three main factors involved: precision, swing speed, and launch height. Here’s a quick rundown of these major aspects:
*Less precision
Senior golfers will usually have issues swinging regular or heavier golf clubs. And when they insist on using non-senior clubs, they will end up with less precise shots. This is directly associated with the decline of their physique and stamina.
*Slower swing speeds
Due to their advancing age, older golfers will inevitably have slower swing speeds. Often, senior golfers experience a major decline in clubhead speed in just a few years upon hitting the minimum senior age in golf.
*Lower launch height
Because of the reduction in their physical power and limitations in range of motion, older golfers will find it hard to achieve excellent launch angle. If their shoulder flexibility is compromised, launch angle will become lower and lower.
What to look for the best golf clubs for seniors
Lightweight
There’s a lot to unpack here if you’re looking for the best golf clubs for seniors. But for starters, the following are some of the critical aspects that should be considered:
The best golf clubs for seniors weigh less than regular golf clubs. This is to allow senior golfers to channel their power into the distance and launch height. With less weight comes a better distance.
You are looking for a lightweight graphite shaft. As for the head, try to look for a lighter one as compared to traditional irons.
A graphite shaft option as opposed to a regular shaft will help in improving clubhead speed, not to mention that it’s way easier to wield. However, never compromise the quality of the club.
Large sweet spot
While older golfers tend to go short in precision, they can augment this problem by using a golf club with a larger sweet spot. Just like in baseball, a golf club with a large sweet spot allows the golfer to have a wider surface on which the ball will be launched efficiency. This will also reduce frustration and the need to force the shoulder during a swing.
Take note that even pro golfers who have reached the senior age will find it hard to hit a small sweet spot on a standard club.
If you are to pick the best golf club iron sets for seniors, try to look for clubs with perimeter weighting. These are known as cavity back irons where there is a cavity at the back of the club’s head and the distribution of the outer edges of the club. With this, you will have a club with a larger sweet spot than standard ones allowing you to gain maximum distance.
Moreover, driver clubs have way larger sweet spots than hybrids.
High loft
The angle of the club’s loft will directly affect the trajectory of the ball upon launch. And as a senior player who is having a hard time gaining higher lifts, a higher loft angle will be a big help.
Remember that the higher the loft is, the higher the trajectory of the ball will be. Technically, you’d want at least 15 degrees on your loft angle to improve your launch height and overall trajectory. Some thrive at 12.
As much as experienced golfers prefer lower loft, this will be difficult to use if you have lower precision. So as much as possible, look for lofts that aren’t lower than 10 degrees. The ideal range is between 15 and as much as 54.
Flexible shaft
Aside from the clubhead, the design of the shaft will also make a big difference in your game as a senior players. If you want to boost your accuracy, look for a lightweight shaft with a heavier weight on the grip side.
On the other hand, if you want to improve your swing speed, a longer and lighter shaft would be a perfect choice. The more flexible the shaft gets, the easier it becomes to produce power for your swings. This is why it’s the best choice for senior golfers.
Take note that the flex shaft of the golf club sets will affect the trajectory, distance, and accuracy of every shot. Basically, there are five flexes available:
*Extra stiff – This is reserved for long hitters who can reach up to 300 yards straight from the tee. However, this shaft type is often available on customized clubs only.
*Stiff Shaft – This is a popular option and the best choice for those who can hit 250 yards or more. Also, this is best for low to mid handicappers and those who have jerky swings. However, it’s not the best choice for seniors.
*Regular – This is the flex you’ll find on regular golf clubs. It’s best for golfers who can drive a ball between 230 and 250 yards. Another thing that contributes to its popularity is its forgiving nature.
*Senior – This is the right flex for aging golfers. If you notice that your drives are reaching only 200 to 230 yards, it’s best to switch to this softer flex.
*Ladies – Statistics show that women have the lowest swing speed of all golfers. With this, a special flex is made to improve their games. Basically, it’s best for those who can only hit at a maximum of 100 yards or less. Senior golfers with shorter distances will also thrive in this flex.
Consider a wedge
For the best golf clubs for seniors, consider getting a wedge. Usually, there are four major types of wedges: pitching, gap, sand, and lob wedge.
*Pitching wedge – This one has the lowest loft of all the wedges. It’s the best choice for golfers who want to hit the green in a low trajectory.
*Gap wedge – Having the second-lowest loft, this type of wedge is ideal for golfers who need to cover between 90 and 110 yards.
*Sand wedge – This is ideal if you’re hitting the ball from the bunkers. It’s perfect for distances between 90 and 100, but take note that this wedge is shorter and gives the ball a spinning motion.
*Lob wedge – Of the four types, lob wedge has the highest loft. It’s best for distances under 80 yards.
Consider drivers
Also called woods, driver clubs have the largest heads that allow easier hitting of the ball. Take note that even though it’s called ‘wood’, its material isn’t necessarily made of wood.
The best thing about drivers is its large sweet spot. As compared to a hybrid, this one offers more precision and longer shafts.
Also, drivers are very easy to swing and ideal in achieving longer distances, even for older golfers. Surprisingly, the lightest golf clubs are drivers, even if it has an extra head size.
Style and look
This isn’t a big deal if you’re only up for performance. However, since golf clubs don’t come cheap, you’d surely want one that will look good on the golf course.
Golf clubs come in different colors and designs. Some prefer the classic metal look while others opt for a modern touch of varying colors and material.
Still, always consider the look of the golf club as the last priority. Besides, there’s no use to a good-looking club if it doesn’t improve your performance.
Price and warranty
If you really want a top-performing, golf club, you should be willing to spend top dollar. Pro golfers spend thousands (or even millions) of dollars just to get customized golf clubs.
For everyday golfers, investing in a durable and tried and tested club is ideal. This is much true for older golfers who need better precision, lighter build, and reliable models.
Nevertheless, even if most premium golf clubs cost a lot, it’s unbeatable in performance. It’s also covered by a decent warranty that will protect your purchase.
5 Best Golf Clubs for Seniors – Editor’s Picks
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: Callaway Great Big Bertha Fairway Wood
Product Name: Callaway Great Big Bertha Fairway Wood
Product Description: If you’re looking for the best driver in the market, we recommend the Callaway Great Big Bertha Fairway Wood. It sports the Cup Face Technology that gives longer distances, even for lower swing speeds. Most of all, it has a larger head that allows an equally larger sweet spot. Moreover, the extra surface of the Big Bertha offers more forgiveness. Aside from that, this club has the Warbird soleplate that makes it easy to swing and hit from any lie. This driver is available in 15, 19, 20.5, 21, and 24 loft degrees. Also, you can choose from 3 wood, 5 wood, 7 wood, Divine Wood, and Heavenwood models.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Speed Improvement
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Trajectory control
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Weight
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Loft
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Shaft
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Value for Money
Overall
Summary
One thing that we like the most about this driver is its 8-way adjustability. It has the Optifit technology that allows you to tweak the loft and lie angle to suit your swing technique. Also, this has a mid-launching trajectory.
This club has a D2 swing weight with a graphite shaft for a lighter feel. Its head volume is at 182cc with mode availability for both left and right-handed golfers. Also, this club is 43 inches long.
We only wish that for its price, it would include a headcover. Anyway, that’s just a small gripe that we can live with. Overall, this is a pro-quality golf club that will surely up the game of senior players.
Pros
✔️Adjustable loft and lie angle
✔️Graphite shaft
✔️Available in 3, 5, 7, and 9 wood
Cons
❌Doesn’t come with a headcover
RUNNERS-UP
Callaway 2018 Rogue Iron Sets
If you’re looking for the best iron option, don’t hesitate to check the Callaway Rogue Iron Sets. It bears the 360 Face Cup and a tungsten-infused standing wave. Aside from that, it has urethane microspheres to reduce vibrations for better feel and sound.
This iron offers optimal flight and control, even for those with declining swing speeds. It’s available in 3 to 9 sets as well as regular, stiff, and senior shaft flexes. And if you’re left-handed, you don’t have to fret since this club is available in both left and right-hand models.
Moreover, this iron sports the Variable Face Thickness (VFT), a shallow yet flexible rim. It allows better distances upon impact. It works even for off-center hits. In fact, it has twice the efficiency of Callaway’s X2 Hot Irons.
What we love the most is the tungsten weighting that gives excellent precision and launch height. And for your convenience, this iron is available for senior golfers who are looking for as much as 59 degrees of loft.
Also, this Callaway Rogue Iron has a D1 swing weight. This golf club is also excellent for high handicappers. Just take note that this club has a cast iron head instead of forged iron.
Overall, it’s one of the most forgiving irons you can find in the market. The splurge is worth it, especially if you’re serious about golf.
✔️Urethane Microspheres for less vibration
✔️High loft
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Cleveland Golf 2018 Launcher CBX Iron
Another top pick for the best golf clubs for seniors is the Cleveland Golf Launcher CBX Iron. It’s made through double laser milling with tour zip grooves. Aside from that, it has a progressive V sole and a Miyazaki C Kua graphite shaft.
Moreover, this iron is available in regular, senior, and stiff flexes as well as left and right-hand orientation. This increases ball speed upon launch since it’s also paired with a perimeter weighting. Such a part offers more power even for off-center hits.
This iron has a low-profile look, but with thicker toplines and longer shafts. Also, this has an excellent wedge technology that offers better control for all lie angles.
What we love the most about this Cleveland Golf Iron is its classic cavity back. In addition, this iron bears the Feel Balancing Technology that puts the center of gravity at the center of the clubface. With this, you will enjoy better impact sound and tight shot dispersion.
Thanks to its V-sole, the Cleveland Launcher Iron has better forgiveness and turf interaction. You can hit excellent distances off the tee with this club, plus you’ll enjoy its spin control features.
Currently, this iron is available in 4 to PW sizes so you can choose the right loft for your game.
✔️Added perimeter weighting
✔️Back cavity
❌Not the best choice for low handicappers
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TaylorMade RBZ Black Driver
For senior golfers who are looking for a trusty driver, they will never go wrong with the TaylorMade RBZ Driver. It sports a 460cc titanium head with an adjustable loft sleeve so you can optimize each shot for better distances and launch height.
Aside from that, this driver is equipped with an Ultralite Titanium core positioned to increase launch height and control of the ball’s trajectory. Aside from its large head, this driver also comes with a Premium Matrix White shaft for a smooth feel.
Moreover, you’ll get this club on its newest satin finish that looks professional and attractive on the golf course. Also, this TaylorMade driver boasts the Legendary Speed Pocket for an excellent performance.
You can get this club in regular, stiff, and senior flexes as well as both left and right-hand orientation.
Take note that the TaylorMade Driver is available only in 9.5, 10.5, and 12-degree lofts. If you’re a senior golfer who still has the extra swing power, this driver will suit you well. It’s a great addition to your golf bag, especially if you’re slowly switching to higher loft clubs.
Many buyers of this drive lauded it for regaining their distance at the golf course. For senior golfers, this is quite a big deal. It also gives off a nice, crisp sound for each hit.
✔️460cc clubhead
✔️Adjustable loft
❌Only available at 12 degrees max.
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Cobra 2017 Golf King F7 Driver
Our last recommendation for this roundup is the Cobra 2017 King F7 Driver. This one has the Textreme carbon fiber crown, which makes it 20% lighter than other driver crowns. It also gives off excellent forgiveness and improved distance.
For a price of one, you’ll get three drivers in one. You can tweak the center of gravity on the back, front, and heel positions so you can set the club to the optimal configuration. This gives senior golfers an added edge when it comes to distance and trajectory.
Also, we love that it comes with a re-engineered Forged titanium face that allows variable thickness. It’s lighter and hotter on the course for higher ball speeds and an extra-large sweet spot.
Another feature that we really dig about this driver is its MYFLY8 w/ SMARTPAD. It allows you to adjust the setting so you can manage the trajectory of each shot even better. And even if you adjust the loft, the head size and sweet spot remain the same.
Moreover, what makes the Cobra F7 stand out is the built-in Arccos technology on the grip. It allows the golfer to track the accuracy and distance of each shot. Also, this can be synced on Cobra’s smartphone app.
✔️Built-in accuracy and distance tracker
✔️Adjustable loft and CG
❌The adjustments can be a little tricky
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need senior flex golf clubs?
A: If you’re older and have a slower swing, a senior flex golf club will suit you well. Also, this type of club is ideal if you use a driver with a swing speed of 70 to 85 mph.
Q: Are graphite shafts better for seniors?
A: The best thing about lightweight graphite shafts is in the name they are lighter than steel shafts and golf irons. Nevertheless, it doesn’t compromise the durability and longevity of the club. Aside from that, it offers more swing speed for senior golfers.
Q: What is the average swing speed of a senior golfer?
A: Senior golfers have an average swing speed of about 2.58 yards per mph. Still, this is much higher than every day and casual golfers who have an average of 2.29 yards per mph.
Q: What are the best golf clubs for senior ladies?
A: Above, we reviewed five of the best golf irons for seniors, both for men and women. Each one is made with lighter materials and excellent configuration to be the game improvement irons for seniors you have been looking to buy.
Q: Can a woman use men’s golf clubs?
A: The truth is that most women’s golf clubs are designed to be shorter. So if you’re a very tall lady, you can thrive in men’s golfs. Overall, the length is the only difference.
Final words
Choosing the best golf clubs for seniors will help you regain your distance. Aside from that, it will help reduce the strain you exert on your shoulders just to control the trajectory and accuracy of each swing.
In this post, the Callaway Driver stands out, but the likes of Cleveland Golf, TaylorMade, and Cobra are still unbeatable options. What do you think of our senior golf club options we have here? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section!